Ukraine prosecutes Navy Commander for treason

According to Reuters, on March 2, Ukraine initiated treason charges against Navy Commander Denis Berezovsky, who just surrendered the base in the port of Sevastopol on the Crimean peninsula and declared allegiance to the pro-Russian leadership in this autonomous republic.

"I swear to obey the orders of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (pro-Russian)... I swear allegiance to the residents of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea," Mr. Berezovsky said in a televised statement broadcast from the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Crimea.

Mr. Denis Berezovsky was charged with treason. (Source: rt.com)

The move came just a day after Mr. Berezovsky was appointed to the position.

"During the siege of the naval headquarters by Russian forces, he did not resist and laid down his arms. The prosecutor's office has opened a criminal case against Denis Berezovsky under law 111: treason," said Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of Ukraine Viktoria Syumar.

Admiral Serhiy Hayduk has also been appointed to take charge of the Ukrainian navy./.

According to VNA